WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. Announces Abstract and Poster Presentation at the International Association for the Study of Pain 2024 World Congress on Pain, on its Lead Compound Halneuron®
VANCOUVER, BC – WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“WEX” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing Halneuron® (Tetrodotoxin or TTX) for pain, is pleased to announce the presentation of a scientific poster on Halneuron® at the IASP 2024 World Congress on Pain held in Amsterdam, Netherlands on August 6th, 2024. The World Congress celebrated IASP’s 50th Anniversary and reflected on industry advances in pain research and IASP’s milestones over the last 50 years.
WEX’s poster titled “Prophylactic Tetrodotoxin Treatment of a Rat Model of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy” was presented by Donald Wong, Ph.D., Translational Research Manager, WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. The preclinical study showed that TTX prevented the development of chemotherapyinduced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in a rat model. Dr. Donald Wong stated, “This study expands the potential range of use for TTX. Our previous preclinical studies have shown that TTX administered subcutaneously reduced pre-existing CIPN in these animals. In this study, we found that the administration of TTX prior to and concurrent with chemotherapy can prevent the development of pain symptoms commonly associated with CIPN. This preventive effect – dependent on the dose of TTX – was superior to duloxetine, a recommended treatment for CIPN, although not approved for use in this indication. We also observed that pain returned when TTX was no longer being administered to the rats. This observation supports our belief that TTX is an analgesic that provides effective pain relief while also allowing sensation to return to normal levels once treatment has ceased.”
Mr. Walter Korz, Chief Executive Officer of WEX Pharmaceuticals, stated, “This data helps support our hypothesis that TTX can be used prophylactically, allowing oncologists to complete patient’s chemotherapy regimens without interruption or compromise. The potential concurrent use of TTX and chemotherapy could change chemotherapy regimens by reducing the risk of developing CIPN.”
About The International Association for the Study of Pain
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) works to support research, education, clinical treatment, and better patient outcomes for all pain conditions. For nearly 50 years, IASP has been a leading global authority on pain and continues to be the largest multidisciplinary association in the field of pain. With more than 6,000 members representing over 125 countries, 96 national chapters, and 24 Special Interest Groups (SIGs), IASP fosters the exchange of ideas and education to stimulate and support the study of pain and to translate that knowledge into improved pain relief worldwide. Membership is open to all professionals involved in research, diagnosis, or treatment of pain.
About Halneuron®
Halneuron® (TTX, Tetrodotoxin), a selective sodium channel blocker, produces analgesia either by decreasing the propagation of action potentials by sodium channels and/or by blocking ectopic discharges associated with chronic pain. Halneuron® is an injectable formulation of Tetrodotoxin, a novel small molecule with action exclusively on the peripheral nervous system. Halneuron does not cross the bloodbrain barrier and, therefore, is without the common side effects of euphoria, addiction, tolerance, sedation, and confusion experienced by opioids and other analgesics. Pharmacology studies revealed that TTX is a more potent analgesic than standard analgesic agents such as aspirin, morphine, or meperidine, with potential applications in many moderate to severe neuropathic pain conditions.
About WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc.
WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a late-stage drug development company dedicated to the development, manufacture, and commercialization of innovative drug products to treat pain. WEX is a leader in research in the field of sodium channel blockers and has programs in various stages of development based on the Halneuron® platform. WEX has conducted late-stage multinational clinical trials in cancer pain and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.
WEX is a wholly owned subsidiary of CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. (“CKLS”). CKLS is engaged in the business of research and development, manufacturing, commercialization, marketing, sale of, and investment in products and assets which fall into three core categories – nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and agriculture-related. CKLS is a member of the CK Hutchison Group. For additional information, please visit www.ck-lifesciences.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively “forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding TTX’s potential range of use, the hypothesis that TTX can be used prophylactically, that the concurrent use of TTX and chemotherapy could reduce the risk of developing CIPN and other statements regarding the safety and therapeutic utility of Halneuron® as a peripheral-acting, non-opioid analgesic. Statements in this document regarding future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. For this purpose, any statements that are contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “projects”, “reduces,” “affirms”, “acceptable”, “accepts”, “establishes”, “continued advancement”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, future circumstances, or events to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: those associated with the success of research and development programs, the Company’s ability to raise additional funding and the potential dilutive effects thereof, the regulatory approval process, competition, securing and maintaining corporate alliances, market acceptance of the Company’s products, the availability of government and insurance reimbursements for the Company’s products, the strength of intellectual property, reliance on subcontractors and key personnel and other risks detailed from time-totime in the Company’s public disclosure documents and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to: obtaining positive results of clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals, TTX is a more potent analgesic than standard analgesics, the safety of product, effectiveness of drug, general business and economic conditions, the Company’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize new products, the assumption that the Company’s current good relationships with third parties will be maintained, the availability of financing on reasonable terms, the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff, market competition, the products and technology offered by the Company’s competitors, no known competing drugs specifically for CINP, and the Company’s ability to protect patents and proprietary rights.
Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
For further information contact:
Mr. Walter Korz
Chief Executive Officer
(604) 683-8880
Fax: (604) 683-8868
wex@wexpharma.com
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